How DeAndre Hopkins’ suspension affects the Arizona Cardinals
One of the NFL’s best wide receivers will miss the first six games of the 2022 NFL season due to violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is being suspended for six games for violating the NFL’s performance enhancing drug policy.
The news comes only a few days after Arizona acquired former Baltimore Ravens receiver Marquise Brown on Day 1 of the NFL Draft.
When will Hopkins be able to play with the Cardinals?
The five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro will still be allowed to practice with the team and play during the preseason of the 2022 regular season.
Hopkins, 29, was traded from Houston by Arizona for the 2020 season, where he caught 115 catches for 1,407 yards. He only played in 10 games last season due to an injury catching 42 passes for 572 yards.
In the past, the NFL’s suspension lengths regarding performance-enhanced drugs was four games. However, it has now escalated to six.
WR room for the Arizona Cardinals
Hopkins’ absence leaves a big hole in Arizona’s offense, and continues to change up the WR room for the Cardinals. With Christian Kirk having left in free agency, the starting spot was already vacant until Brown was brought in. And now Arizona will have to continue switching things around.
The 2022 NFL schedule will be released May 12.